Hundreds at Heckyfest despite rain

Hundreds of music fans braved the rain for the twelfth installment of a popular festival.

Organisers of Crown of Lights Festival, Heckmondwike, known locally as Heckyfest, enjoyed 10 hours of live music despite rain and thunderstorms.

Organiser Donal O’Driscoll said: “I was over the moon to see so many people turn up for the twelfth Heckyfest. There was so many expressions of gratitude and support from the crowds for us going ahead with the event. It was touching.”

The rain cleared by the afternoon and things looked brighter in Green Park as the afternoon’s music continued.

Donal said: “The crowds were in raptures by the time local lads Gods of Fortune took to the stage to finish the festival.”

Seventeen bands played across two stages in a day of non-stop music for the town.

But concerns had been raised about the future of the festival because there was no promise it would continue to receive help from Kirklees Council.

Donal said: “The core funding for the festival was provided yet again by Kirklees Council. There’s no guarantee of future funding from them so I’m really hoping there will be sufficient interest from local businesses to support future festivals because the event is greatly appreciated by many local people.”